Seasons Greetings…

Beginning tomorrow night – December 20th– the Sun spends three days at it’s lowest position of the year, and we have the longest nights. These are the “three days” of resurrection spoken of by so many religious traditions. Friday night, the return of the Sun begins. For many Pagans, Wiccans and others of similar paths, candles will blaze and the Yule log will burn, bringing with it
the promise of rebirth of the land from Winter’s grasp.

Candles… the Yule log… the warmth of the sun.

On December 21st for my Jewish friends, Hanukkah begins – the joyous Festival of Lights, a celebration lasting eight days and nights, commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
The menorah is lit – eight candles, from a main candle, the ninth.

Sacred temple oil… candles… light.

On December 25th, my Christian friends mark the birth of their Savior, the babe called Jesus. Candles are lit from a source candle at Midnight Mass on December 24th, the light dispelling darkness
and growing into the early morning hours of the 25th,
celebrating his arrival.

Candles… light… the love of the Son.

On December 26th, my African-American friends begin Kwanzaa,
a fairly new celebration which was created in 1966.
Lasting a week, seven candles are lit, one per day…
three red, three green, and a black… for unity, self-determination,
collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics,
purpose, creativity and faith.

Again, the brightness of many candles… many hearts,
many minds, and many souls here on Earth.

ALL the above is the “Reason for the Season”… so SEASONS GREETINGS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS, my friends… with all respect meant
to each and every one of you.